Draft Policy on the Customary Practice of Initiation in South Africa

The Department of Traditional Affairs published the Draft Policy on the Customary Practice of Initiation in South Africa for comment in Government gazette no. 38814 of 22 May 2015. Comments must be in within 30 days. "The practice of initiation amongst traditional communities and more specifically, male initiation has been subject to abuse. In many instances it has resulted in the death of initiates as well as serious injuries (bodily harm).​ ...It is therefore imperative that government should take steps to ensure that appropriate,
acceptable customs and practices are reinforced and that an acceptable level of accountability that sustained the practice over many years is restored.​"